Agendas, reports and minutes

The first meeting of the Highland Council after the election of Councillors will take place in the Council Chamber, Council Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness on Thursday, 18 May 2017 at 10.30am.

Webcast Notice: This meeting will be filmed and broadcast over the Internet on the Highland Council website and will be archived and available for viewing for 12 months thereafter.

You are invited to attend the meeting and a note of the business to be considered is attached.

Yours faithfully,

Michelle Morris
Depute Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Development

1. Interim Chair
Cathraiche Eadar-amail

In terms of Section 4 (4) of the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, the Returning Officer (in this case the Chief Executive) shall preside at the first meeting of the Council held after an ordinary election of Councillors until the Council elects its Convener which is the first substantive business to be transacted.

2. Membership of the Council
Ballrachd na Comhairle
                                                                 
There is circulated Report No. HC/14/17 by the Returning Officer which provides the names and addresses of the candidates returned to membership of the Highland Council at the election held on 4 May 2017.

3. Calling of the Roll and Apologies for Absence
Gairm a’ Chlàir agus Leisgeulan

4. Declarations of Interest
Foillseachaidhean Com-pàirt

Members are asked to consider whether they have an interest to declare in relation to any item on the agenda for this meeting. Any Member making a declaration of interest should indicate whether it is a financial or non-financial interest and include some information on the nature of the interest. Advice may be sought from Officers prior to the meeting taking place.

5. Declaration of Acceptance of Office
Foillseachadh Gabhail ri Oifis

The Chair will establish that all Members present have signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

6. Convener of the Council – Appointment
Neach-gairm na Comhairle – Cur an Dreuchd

In terms of Section 4(1) of the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994, the Council is required to appoint a Convener.

Nominations will be sought at the meeting for this position and once appointed the Convener will take the chair.

7. Leader of the Council – Appointment
Ceannard na Comhairle – Cur an Dreuchd

The Administration will move the establishment of the post of Leader of the Council.

Nominations will be sought at the meeting for this position.

8. Depute Leader of the Council – Appointment
Iar-Cheannard na Comhairle – Cur an Dreuchd

The Administration will move the establishment of the post of Depute Leader of the Council.

Nominations will be sought at the meeting for this position.

9. Leader of the Opposition – Appointment
Ceannard nan Dùbhlanach – Cur an Dreuchd

The Administration will move the establishment of the post of Leader of the Opposition.

Nominations will be sought at the meeting for this position.

10. Powers Taken
Cumhachdan a Ghabhadh

Members are asked to note that the powers granted at the meeting held on Thursday, 9 March 2017 were exercised on behalf of the Council as follows:-

Strathpeffer Pavilion – Chief Executive – confirmation of a three year discounted lease agreement at a rental of £10,000 per annum between Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and the Council - with High Life Highland taking on an operational role over this period with the clear objective of supporting a community buy out. The Council will continue to maintain the Pavilion under the terms of the lease and Local Members were supportive. 

11. Confirmation of Minutes – Highland Council
Dearbhadh Geàrr-chunntais – Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd

There are circulated for confirmation the Minutes of Meeting of the Highland Council held on Thursday, 9 March 2017 and of the Special Meeting (Planning) held on 7 March 2017.

12. Deeds Executed
Sgrìobhainnean Lagha a Bhuilicheadh

Members are advised that a list of deeds and other documents executed on behalf of the Council since the meeting held on 9 March 2017 is available in the Members’ Library and on the Council’s Website.

13. Timetable of Meetings up to the Summer Recess
Clàr-ama Choinneamhan gu Fosadh an t-Samhraidh

Members are asked to agree that further meetings of the full Council up to the Summer Recess should be held as follows –

Thursday, 1 June – 10.35am
Thursday, 29 June - 10.35am